Jared pushed up his glasses as he hovered in the living room.

His greeting sparked the bittersweet feeling I’d grown accustomed to.

It reminded me of Amber.

My heart skipped a beat as I swallowed the pain. It didn’t last long, thankfully. Jared’s smile was warmer than Amber’s had been even on the best days, and knowing he was there to welcome me home was comforting. It made my days feel a little less lonely.

“Thanks for watching her again,” I said, to distract myself. “I hope she behaved.”

“I did!” Maya pouted at me for questioning that she was anything less than perfect.

“And did you have fun with Jared?”

“Yes!” She wiggled in my arms until I let her go so that she could dance around and grin at Jared. “Blocks are fun! Wanna play?”

“Later, kiddo, it’s close to bedtime. I’m sure you’re tired- and Jared must be, too, after dealing with you all day,” I teased, ruffling her hair when she grumbled at me.

“I was just about to make dinner. Maya’s having chicken fingers and broccoli but I thought I’d make pork chops for us. They were on sale at the grocery store and we have a lot of vegetables that need to be cooked so...maybe stir fry on the side? I should have picked up potatoes. I always forget something. Shoot,” Jared muttered, walking into the kitchen and opening the fridge door.

There was a new picture magnetized to it of stick-person Maya and what could only be Jared and myself all standing with Bear in front of the house. Lately, I’d seen fewer drawings of her mother, which hurt me as much as it made me happy she was healing. I was glad Maya seemed to be doing better.

I had to remind myself it was probably due to how much time they spent together. “That’s cute." I looked at where Bear’s scribbled form was in between Maya and Jared, on the far side from my blue stick figure. “Thanks for saving it for me,” I said, leaning against the kitchen counter as I watched him pull out ingredients for dinner. “You should draw one for Jared to bring home, Maya.”

“Okay!” Maya looked up from where she was playing with Bear, holding one of his favorite stuffed toys as he tugged at it.

“You don’t mind making room on your fridge, do you?” I asked, realizing I might be too pushy. He was already babysitting for me. I didn’t need to inject my family into every aspect of his life.

I saw Jared pause as he stooped to take the vegetables out of the crisper. “I’d be honored, she’s a little artist.” He smiled, putting the ingredients onto the counter, “I think I have the perfect place for something like that.” Jared brushed dark curls from his eyes as he closed the fridge door, looking over all of Maya’s colorful drawings. “You have quite the collection.”

“I swear she never stops,” I sighed. “You wouldn’t believe the fortune I’ve spent on new crayons. Not that they last very long with that monster in the house.”

“Let me know if you need any art supplies. I can probably bring home a few extras from school.” His eyes went wide as he backtracked, a little awkwardly, saying, “I mean, your home. You know… here.”

Before I could say anything, a small hand tugged on my pants, making me look down at my daughter. “Pillows?”

It took me a moment to realize what she was asking; Jared staying over had become such a routine, at this point, there was usually a blanket and pillows at the end of the couch for him. “Thanks for reminding me, kiddo. Are you staying here tonight, Jared? I can set up the couch for you. Though I really should clean out my office so I can put a spare bed in there- the couch can’t be that comfortable.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Jared said, preheating the oven before rolling up his sleeves and turning on the tap to wash the produce. “If it doesn’t trouble you, I don’t mind staying. The couch isn’t bad,” he chuckled, looking over at me with bright blue eyes, “as long as you don’t wake me again by walking into the counter.”

“That was an accident!" I said defensively, looking down to hide my smile. Though it had been initially awkward meeting him again, having my old friend back was a comfort. Teasing him was natural, but looking at Jared… I could feel my chest tighten.

I didn't want to shove him away. Not again.

“I’ve been quiet, haven't I? Can’t say the same for the beast, though. He’s really taken to you.” I nodded toward Bear, who had taken up his station in the kitchen. I’d forgotten how much he begged for food since I didn’t cook much, but he was always there with a wagging tail and pleading eyes whenever Jared cooked.

Jared looked down at Bear with a grin, peeling cloves of garlic. “You have to wait a bit, Bear!” he laughed, looking at Maya quickly, then back to me. “I don’t mind if you wake me up.”

It made my pulse jump as he smiled up at me.

There was a blush on Jared’s face; perhaps it was from the heat of the stove. He blinked up at me slowly, the steam fogging his glasses slightly, but not enough for me to escape those piercing blue eyes as he said, “I like staying here with you.”